Electric bicycles - who buys them?
Discussion
President Merkin said:
Bosch motors are known to be among the more reliable units. Brose as fitted to Spesh bikes had a reputation for grenading belts, although they have improved.
This is a bit worrying as I bought a used but as-new (40 miles covered) Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 in December '22. I think it was new in 2019/20. Do think a full suspension might be a bit kinder to the motor and esp wiring etc.
I can't understand why they insist on packaging the mechanical and electronic bits together though - seems like there would be a market for mix and match (controllers/amps and actual motors) and also resilience in moving the electronics further away? More expensive though, maybe.
I can't understand why they insist on packaging the mechanical and electronic bits together though - seems like there would be a market for mix and match (controllers/amps and actual motors) and also resilience in moving the electronics further away? More expensive though, maybe.
There's a few irritations around ebikes for me, some of whiich may not hold. One owner warranties are a scandal imo, manufacturers absolving themselves of responsibility for their products. Framesets another, ebikes are about the only branch of cycling where you it's pretty much impossible to buy a frame only for the most part & standardisation of motor mounts should be a thing. Want to try a Bafang? or a Revonte? You should be able to bolt one in but there's no chance of that. You are very much tied into the whole product
It's nearly three years since I bought a couple of Cube Acid 400s for me and the wife, I can honestly say they've been one of my best purchases ever. Apart from one chain giving way, they've been 100% reliable, and they get us on rides that we wouldn't contemplate on a 'normal' bike.
We were up in the Lakes last week, the weather was kind so they got plenty of use. Over the Newlands pass from Keswick to Buttermere, around the lake and back, still had twenty miles range left afterwards despite the climb out of Buttermere - the pass is steeper than it probably looks in the pics.
My only gripe is the Smart Sam tyres, which are incredibly easy to puncture. My wife has a real knack of finding thorns, she picked up two punctures within ten minutes one day. Thankfully the slime inner tubes did their job, but the tyres feel really thin between the treads, so any recommendations for replacements would be welcome. We mainly ride trails and lanes, no real heavy duty off road use.
We were up in the Lakes last week, the weather was kind so they got plenty of use. Over the Newlands pass from Keswick to Buttermere, around the lake and back, still had twenty miles range left afterwards despite the climb out of Buttermere - the pass is steeper than it probably looks in the pics.
My only gripe is the Smart Sam tyres, which are incredibly easy to puncture. My wife has a real knack of finding thorns, she picked up two punctures within ten minutes one day. Thankfully the slime inner tubes did their job, but the tyres feel really thin between the treads, so any recommendations for replacements would be welcome. We mainly ride trails and lanes, no real heavy duty off road use.
Blackpuddin said:
President Merkin said:
Bosch motors are known to be among the more reliable units. Brose as fitted to Spesh bikes had a reputation for grenading belts, although they have improved.
This is a bit worrying as I bought a used but as-new (40 miles covered) Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 in December '22. I think it was new in 2019/20. President Merkin said:
There's a few irritations around ebikes for me, some of whiich may not hold. One owner warranties are a scandal imo, manufacturers absolving themselves of responsibility for their products. Framesets another, ebikes are about the only branch of cycling where you it's pretty much impossible to buy a frame only for the most part & standardisation of motor mounts should be a thing. Want to try a Bafang? or a Revonte? You should be able to bolt one in but there's no chance of that. You are very much tied into the whole product
They are now making a lot of frames to fit the Bafang motors, so you have the option to build your own bike with whatever components you’d like. I’ve had a Frey AM1000 bike for just over a year now and it’s pretty much close to the perfect ebike for me. Does everything I need it to.New to this but not to MTB but kids / work / house means my time to spend on said MTB has dwindled, my fitness has dropped and now when I try and grab a quick run round the local trails, I'm knackered, frustrated and the spiral down continues.
Been pondering over going eMTB for a while, somewhat put off by the prices and the utter myriad of options and thus not knowing what I need it want. But I feel that I'd use an eMTB more, ride further, enjoy it and my fitness and skills would improve... or so I tell myself. Be good to be able to tow my five year old to the top of a trail then let him launch down instead of me walking both bikes up.
At the weekend, I found myself extremely close to buying a Cube Stereo but the lack of large bikes in stock and the fact the £3k interest free loan from the Energy Saving Trust appears to have been paused meant it wasn't to be.
However, the opportunity to buy a used, but well looked after Ghost ASX has potentially cropped up. About half the price of the Cube, but not new however arguably better spec. But I'm still antagonizing over it and the whole eMTB thing in general.
Bit of a minefield really...
Been pondering over going eMTB for a while, somewhat put off by the prices and the utter myriad of options and thus not knowing what I need it want. But I feel that I'd use an eMTB more, ride further, enjoy it and my fitness and skills would improve... or so I tell myself. Be good to be able to tow my five year old to the top of a trail then let him launch down instead of me walking both bikes up.
At the weekend, I found myself extremely close to buying a Cube Stereo but the lack of large bikes in stock and the fact the £3k interest free loan from the Energy Saving Trust appears to have been paused meant it wasn't to be.
However, the opportunity to buy a used, but well looked after Ghost ASX has potentially cropped up. About half the price of the Cube, but not new however arguably better spec. But I'm still antagonizing over it and the whole eMTB thing in general.
Bit of a minefield really...
Davie said:
Bit of a minefield really...
You said it!Once you work out what kind of bike you need, remember that on Ebikes, the weak point is more often than not the motor, specifically, water ingress which kills them and that for most brands, including Ghost bikes and Bosch, the motor on the bike you referenced, the warranty applies only to the first owner. On top of this, there's been a wave of discounting new bikes in recent months as the market has slowed. It adds up to making a new bike a compelling proposition over used right now.
Blackpuddin said:
President Merkin said:
Bosch motors are known to be among the more reliable units. Brose as fitted to Spesh bikes had a reputation for grenading belts, although they have improved.
This is a bit worrying as I bought a used but as-new (40 miles covered) Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 in December '22. I think it was new in 2019/20. I have a well used 2019 kenevo with a brose motor and its been fine. The handlebar controller packed up at one point but was under £30 to change.
PushedDover said:
Then I am unlucky.
The bike has never seen a pressure washer.
It is hosed off as soon as home (I am lucky the trails are on the doorstep) so the hose is just to knock the loose mud off.
The fact that the bike gets 'used' relatively heavily and a Hard tail was one theory as it is taking hammer / vibrations.
What I have noticed is that while plenty of owners have no issues at all its quite common for people to have more than one motor replaced. This suggests to me that individual bikes may have underlying issues that damage the motors or the replacement motors are not being fitted correctly. I'm sure in some cases owner abuse/misuse has a part to play(not suggesting that's you btw) The hard tail theory is interesting but looking at any forum/groups the issues affect a lot of full suss bikes tooThe bike has never seen a pressure washer.
It is hosed off as soon as home (I am lucky the trails are on the doorstep) so the hose is just to knock the loose mud off.
The fact that the bike gets 'used' relatively heavily and a Hard tail was one theory as it is taking hammer / vibrations.
Not sure how a motor can be fitted incorrectly, if you've ever seen how one bolted to a frame. I can show you how motors die. Outside of manufacturing defects, it is water ingress that kills them. This is the motor on my own bike, you should be able to see how water can enter via the crank spindles.
On this particular motor, the gen 4 Bosch, the single best thing an owner can do to prolong its life is to regularly remove the outer crank seal, clean out the space and reapply Bosch tacky grease. It's there to act as a barrier to water & disperses over time. I make this a part of my maintenance regime. Just coming up on 2000 miles, all good so far.
On this particular motor, the gen 4 Bosch, the single best thing an owner can do to prolong its life is to regularly remove the outer crank seal, clean out the space and reapply Bosch tacky grease. It's there to act as a barrier to water & disperses over time. I make this a part of my maintenance regime. Just coming up on 2000 miles, all good so far.
President Merkin said:
Not sure how a motor can be fitted incorrectly, if you've ever seen how one bolted to a frame. I can show you how motors die. Outside of manufacturing defects, it is water ingress that kills them. This is the motor on my own bike, you should be able to see how water can enter via the crank spindles.
On this particular motor, the gen 4 Bosch, the single best thing an owner can do to prolong its life is to regularly remove the outer crank seal, clean out the space and reapply Bosch tacky grease. It's there to act as a barrier to water & disperses over time. I make this a part of my maintenance regime. Just coming up on 2000 miles, all good so far.
Did you just buy the ‘Bearing Protection Grease’ or is it better to purchase the service kit with the grease plus bearing rings, felt rings and circlips?On this particular motor, the gen 4 Bosch, the single best thing an owner can do to prolong its life is to regularly remove the outer crank seal, clean out the space and reapply Bosch tacky grease. It's there to act as a barrier to water & disperses over time. I make this a part of my maintenance regime. Just coming up on 2000 miles, all good so far.
You can buy a seal service kit which comes with both seals, the retaining circlips & grease or just the grease separately. I've found the seals are good for multiple regreases, if that's a word.
The frequency is up to you but as I ride all year round in wet & muddy conditions, I've been doing mine every fortnight through winter & found that the grease had dispersed enough every time to justify it. Obvs, as the weather dries, I'll scale it back but for a tenner & twenty minutes versus £800 for a new motor, it's worth it imo.
The frequency is up to you but as I ride all year round in wet & muddy conditions, I've been doing mine every fortnight through winter & found that the grease had dispersed enough every time to justify it. Obvs, as the weather dries, I'll scale it back but for a tenner & twenty minutes versus £800 for a new motor, it's worth it imo.
President Merkin said:
On this particular motor, the gen 4 Bosch, the single best thing an owner can do to prolong its life is to regularly remove the outer crank seal, clean out the space and reapply Bosch tacky grease. It's there to act as a barrier to water & disperses over time. I make this a part of my maintenance regime. Just coming up on 2000 miles, all good so far.
I have 2 bikes with this motor thanks for the tipPresident Merkin said:
You said it!
Once you work out what kind of bike you need, remember that on Ebikes, the weak point is more often than not the motor, specifically, water ingress which kills them and that for most brands, including Ghost bikes and Bosch, the motor on the bike you referenced, the warranty applies only to the first owner. On top of this, there's been a wave of discounting new bikes in recent months as the market has slowed. It adds up to making a new bike a compelling proposition over used right now.
That's what's fuelling my overthinking.Once you work out what kind of bike you need, remember that on Ebikes, the weak point is more often than not the motor, specifically, water ingress which kills them and that for most brands, including Ghost bikes and Bosch, the motor on the bike you referenced, the warranty applies only to the first owner. On top of this, there's been a wave of discounting new bikes in recent months as the market has slowed. It adds up to making a new bike a compelling proposition over used right now.
Do I pay £2000 for a used, albeit decent 2/3 year old bike or spend £4500 on something new, but lesser spec.
However, a top spec bike would be wasted on me as my surname isn't Atherton thus I don't need the best of the best, something sort of entry level but still decent will suffice.
But, new is £2500 more... but a used bike is like a used car and it could be a matter of weeks / miles away from needing a major overhaul, which on a good spec bike could be very dear - shocks, brakes, drivetrain etc.
I don't ride bikes hard and I'm quite good at maintaining them so my debate is do I but new at say £4.5k and it lasts three years will little maintenance costs or spend half that on a used bike but then have more year on year maintenance which could potentially end up costing more after say three years.
My head is absolutely minced by it all... hence I'm almost getting scared and tempted to stick with my current FS bike that's served me well for the past five years, but instead concentrate on my fitness and bank the potential £2000 to £4500..
Davie said:
That's what's fuelling my overthinking.
Do I pay £2000 for a used, albeit decent 2/3 year old bike or spend £4500 on something new, but lesser spec.
However, a top spec bike would be wasted on me as my surname isn't Atherton thus I don't need the best of the best, something sort of entry level but still decent will suffice.
But, new is £2500 more... but a used bike is like a used car and it could be a matter of weeks / miles away from needing a major overhaul, which on a good spec bike could be very dear - shocks, brakes, drivetrain etc.
I don't ride bikes hard and I'm quite good at maintaining them so my debate is do I but new at say £4.5k and it lasts three years will little maintenance costs or spend half that on a used bike but then have more year on year maintenance which could potentially end up costing more after say three years.
My head is absolutely minced by it all... hence I'm almost getting scared and tempted to stick with my current FS bike that's served me well for the past five years, but instead concentrate on my fitness and bank the potential £2000 to £4500..
These are good value, were £2700 a couple of weeks ago (flash sale that comes and goes), and 2yr warranty: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/vitus-e-somm...Do I pay £2000 for a used, albeit decent 2/3 year old bike or spend £4500 on something new, but lesser spec.
However, a top spec bike would be wasted on me as my surname isn't Atherton thus I don't need the best of the best, something sort of entry level but still decent will suffice.
But, new is £2500 more... but a used bike is like a used car and it could be a matter of weeks / miles away from needing a major overhaul, which on a good spec bike could be very dear - shocks, brakes, drivetrain etc.
I don't ride bikes hard and I'm quite good at maintaining them so my debate is do I but new at say £4.5k and it lasts three years will little maintenance costs or spend half that on a used bike but then have more year on year maintenance which could potentially end up costing more after say three years.
My head is absolutely minced by it all... hence I'm almost getting scared and tempted to stick with my current FS bike that's served me well for the past five years, but instead concentrate on my fitness and bank the potential £2000 to £4500..
edit - oops, looks like all sold out. 170mm travel and good quality components though if they come back in stock. Rear wheels are crap though.
Davie said:
My head is absolutely minced by it all... hence I'm almost getting scared and tempted to stick with my current FS bike that's served me well for the past five years, but instead concentrate on my fitness and bank the potential £2000 to £4500..
Have you tried an ebike yet? So much fun mate, try and get a demo ride if you can and you will see the light 
Senex said:
Have you tried an ebike yet? So much fun mate, try and get a demo ride if you can and you will see the light
Not yet. However just discovered that a 'local' trail centre has a Cube Stereo hire fleet... the exact same model that I was on the verge of buying on Saturday, so I think I'll book a half day to try before I buy and therefore it's probably inevitable that I will buy.
My issue has always been climbing. I wasn't great at my peak a few years ago and now, with less time to spend on the bike, my stamina isn't great and thus I'm getting frustrated wheezing and sweating to the top of a fairly modest climb, then end up have a crap ride thereafter as I'm so knackered.
Plus, I've now got an unhinged 5yr old who can come down trails with alarming pace... but can't cycle up a huge fire road to the trail heads. And so we walk. Me pushing two bikes. That's crap, slow and not fun. I look on at Dads towing their kids up numerous times and having a great time... whilst I plod up, trying to not have a cardiac arrest. Then we have one run down and go home as we're both utterly destroyed.
I haven't got the time to put in loads of saddle time to improve my fitness to the point where I can reach the top of a trail without needing mouth to mouth... so I'll struggle to reach that peak of a few years back and that's frustrating me as I'm not enjoying the rides lately. So, I'm ok with being branded a cheat if it means I can ride further, higher, enjoy it, not need oxygen and my five year old gets more trail time in too.
Not sure who I'm trying to convince here...
Davie said:
Not yet.
However just discovered that a 'local' trail centre has a Cube Stereo hire fleet... the exact same model that I was on the verge of buying on Saturday, so I think I'll book a half day to try before I buy and therefore it's probably inevitable that I will buy.
My issue has always been climbing. I wasn't great at my peak a few years ago and now, with less time to spend on the bike, my stamina isn't great and thus I'm getting frustrated wheezing and sweating to the top of a fairly modest climb, then end up have a crap ride thereafter as I'm so knackered.
Plus, I've now got an unhinged 5yr old who can come down trails with alarming pace... but can't cycle up a huge fire road to the trail heads. And so we walk. Me pushing two bikes. That's crap, slow and not fun. I look on at Dads towing their kids up numerous times and having a great time... whilst I plod up, trying to not have a cardiac arrest. Then we have one run down and go home as we're both utterly destroyed.
I haven't got the time to put in loads of saddle time to improve my fitness to the point where I can reach the top of a trail without needing mouth to mouth... so I'll struggle to reach that peak of a few years back and that's frustrating me as I'm not enjoying the rides lately. So, I'm ok with being branded a cheat if it means I can ride further, higher, enjoy it, not need oxygen and my five year old gets more trail time in too.
Not sure who I'm trying to convince here...
When you buy one, I can recommend a basic towhee. They're great. However just discovered that a 'local' trail centre has a Cube Stereo hire fleet... the exact same model that I was on the verge of buying on Saturday, so I think I'll book a half day to try before I buy and therefore it's probably inevitable that I will buy.
My issue has always been climbing. I wasn't great at my peak a few years ago and now, with less time to spend on the bike, my stamina isn't great and thus I'm getting frustrated wheezing and sweating to the top of a fairly modest climb, then end up have a crap ride thereafter as I'm so knackered.
Plus, I've now got an unhinged 5yr old who can come down trails with alarming pace... but can't cycle up a huge fire road to the trail heads. And so we walk. Me pushing two bikes. That's crap, slow and not fun. I look on at Dads towing their kids up numerous times and having a great time... whilst I plod up, trying to not have a cardiac arrest. Then we have one run down and go home as we're both utterly destroyed.
I haven't got the time to put in loads of saddle time to improve my fitness to the point where I can reach the top of a trail without needing mouth to mouth... so I'll struggle to reach that peak of a few years back and that's frustrating me as I'm not enjoying the rides lately. So, I'm ok with being branded a cheat if it means I can ride further, higher, enjoy it, not need oxygen and my five year old gets more trail time in too.
Not sure who I'm trying to convince here...
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